How does the nose work?

A sneeze is a reflex to push out something irritating the nose, like dust, pollen or a cold. Air shoots out very hard, so it is important to cover it with your arm.

Because tears drain through a little tube that links the corner of the eye to the nose. When we cry, there are so many tears that they run out of the nose.

It is when the wall dividing the nose is bent, making one side narrower. It is very common and often causes no trouble. If it makes breathing hard, an ear, nose and throat doctor can check it.

Smells are tiny particles in the air. On the roof of the nose are millions of cells that recognize these particles and send signals through nerves to the brain. Smell also helps us taste food: with a blocked nose, food seems tasteless.

Inflammation of the sinuses, air spaces in the facial bones that connect to the nose. It often follows a cold or allergy and causes a stuffy nose, discharge and pain or pressure in the face. If it lasts many days or comes with fever, see a doctor.